2009 Nissan Xterra vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Xterra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Xterra would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2010 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2010 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 874 kg more than 2010 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Xterra is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Nissan Xterra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Xterra | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Nissan | Nissan |
| Model | Xterra | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2316 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
